Definition

1. Verb:
   • To determine the concentration of a substance in a solution by carefully adding measured amounts of a reagent of known concentration until a specific reaction (often indicated by a color change) is complete.
   • To perform or carry out the analytical procedure of titration.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The chemist will titrate the acid solution to find its exact molarity.
  • You need to titrate the sample slowly to get an accurate result.
  • The protocol requires us to titrate the unknown solution against a standard base.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Scientific Context: "Titrate" is a precise technical term used almost exclusively in chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine (e.g., titrating a medication dose). It implies a controlled, incremental process to reach an equivalence point.
• Figurative Use (Rare): In very specialized non-scientific contexts, it can metaphorically mean to adjust something carefully in small, measured steps.
  • The negotiator had to titrate his responses to avoid escalating the conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Titration (n): The process or act of titrating.
  • The titration showed the solution's concentration was 0.1 M.
• Titrant (n): The solution of known concentration added during a titration.
• Titrator (n): A person who titrates or an instrument used for titration.

Synonyms

• Measure (by titration)
• Analyze (volumetrically)
• Assay (in a specific chemical context)

Antonyms

• Estimate (to approximate roughly)
• Guess

Related Phrases and Collocations

• To titrate against: To use one solution to determine the concentration of another.
  • Titrate the vinegar against a sodium hydroxide solution.
• To titrate to an endpoint: To add titrant until the reaction is visually or instrumentally complete.
  • The indicator helps you titrate to a clear endpoint.

Verb

1. measure by (the volume or concentration of solutions) by titration